Vintage jewelry and pearls displayed on ornate silver trays, antique brass container in background, soft sunlight casting warm shadows

12 Old Decorations From Grandma’s House That Are Now Collectibles

You might be surprised by the value hidden in some of the old decorations tucked away in your grandma’s house. Many of these items, once seen as simple keepsakes or everyday objects, have become sought-after collectibles today.

Understanding which familiar decorations have gained popularity can help you recognize potential treasures in your own family’s belongings.

Folk Art Paintings

folk art painting of a seated royal figure with a mustache receiving refreshments from two women, all dressed in colorful traditional Indian attire
Image credit: anonymous – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

You might find charming folk art paintings in your grandma’s house. These artworks often feature simple, colorful designs reflecting everyday life and traditions.

Folk art paintings can be valuable collectibles today because they capture a unique, handmade quality. Look for signed or dated pieces, as those may add to their worth.

Exploring folk art prints and originals can connect you to a rich cultural history.

Majolica Pottery Figurines

two ceramic majolica figurines of monks in robes holding mugs labeled “K.B.” with warm, smiling expressions
Image credit: Antique12/eBay.

You might find Majolica pottery figurines tucked away in your grandma’s collection. These pieces are made from heavy clay coated with colorful enamel, often featuring rich green and blue tones.

Majolica is quite collectible because of its unique glossy finish and detailed designs. If you come across some, they could be worth more than you expect.

Depression Glass Sets

Assorted vintage glassware, pink and green tones, displayed on red-checkered shelf, mix of bowls, vases, pitchers
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

You might recognize Depression glass from its delicate colors and simple patterns. These sets were common in many grandmas’ homes during the 1930s.

If you have complete pieces like plates, pitchers, or tumblers, they can be quite valuable today. Collectors especially look for popular patterns like Daisy made by Indiana Glass. Finding a full set can be rare, which makes your collection stand out.

Vintage Wooden Storage Boxes

two antique wooden storage trunks with metal accents and locks, sitting on a tiled floor near a rustic wooden table
Image crredit: Sam Jotham Sutharson/eBay.

You’ve probably seen those charming vintage wooden storage boxes in grandma’s attic or on shelves. These boxes often have hinged lids and simple clasps, perfect for keeping keepsakes or small items.

Using them adds a rustic touch to your home decor. You can find unique pieces that have stood the test of time and still look great.

Silver Decorative Oyster Plates

silver oyster plate with five shell-shaped compartments, circular center opening, textured dotted background
Image credit: Kyle s Antiques New Jersey/eBay.

You might find silver decorative oyster plates in your grandma’s collection. These plates were often used to serve oysters and other seafood in style.

They add a touch of vintage charm to any display and can be quite valuable. Keep an eye out for intricate designs and good condition.

If you come across one, it’s worth checking its origin and maker. Silver oyster plates can be a unique collectible for your home or collection.

Mechanical Banks

painted vintage mechanical bank featuring three baseball players, labeled "Hometown Battery," colorful hand-painted figures, green base
Image credit: Povertybob – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

Mechanical banks are fun, cast iron toys that were popular long ago. When you put in a coin, they trigger a small moving action.

You might find them in grandma’s house, often painted and detailed. These banks are collectible because of their age and unique designs.

If you have one, it’s worth checking its condition and rarity.

Pyrex Mixing Bowls

White vintage Pyrex bowl with turquoise diamond pattern, outdoor background, mid-century style
Image credit: cupofteaforme/ eBay.

If you have Pyrex mixing bowls from your grandma’s kitchen, you might be sitting on a little treasure. These vintage bowls are popular with collectors and often sell for over $100, especially if they’re part of a complete set or rare patterns.

You can find unique or handmade Pyrex bowls on sites like Etsy. Some rare pieces have even snapped up big bucks among collectors hunting nostalgic kitchenware.

Micro Mosaic Picture Frames

small ornate micro mosaic picture frame with blue, white, and gold floral details, oval photo opening, held by hand
Image credit: MasonAntiques/eBay.

If you’ve spotted those tiny, colorful tiles in a picture frame at grandma’s, that’s a micro mosaic frame. These frames use small glass pieces arranged in detailed patterns, often floral or geometric.

You might find micro mosaic frames dating back to the early 1900s. They add a vintage touch and are becoming popular collectibles. Look for ones with original backs or easels to keep their value.

Midcentury Ceramic Animal Sculptures

white ceramic cat sculpture with fine crackle glaze, smooth modernist design, seated pose on wooden surface
Image credit: Chaanara – CC BY 3.0/Wiki Commons.

If you have midcentury ceramic animal sculptures from your grandma’s house, you might be holding a charming collectible. These pieces often feature simple, stylish designs that fit well with modern or vintage decor.

You can find unique handmade options on sites like Etsy, where artists create one-of-a-kind ceramic animals. Their durability and hand-painted detail make them appealing for collectors and decoration alike.

White Porcelain Figurines

ornate white porcelain figurine of two men in elaborate 18th-century attire studying a globe, decorated with gold and floral details, standing on a floral base
Image credit: Johann Joachim Kändler – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

If you find white porcelain figurines in your grandma’s house, don’t overlook them. These delicate pieces can be surprisingly valuable, especially if they are in good condition.

You might spot unbranded porcelain decor or more detailed collectible figurines. They often capture charming scenes or animals that collectors love.

Check out collections like those on eBay to see what similar items are going for. Your figurines could be a hidden gem worth keeping or selling.

Vintage Wine Storage Jars

ancient bronze wine vessel with flared rim and intricate geometric carvings, featuring taotie mask motifs and a raised pedestal base
Image credit: Image-Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

You might overlook vintage wine storage jars as simple kitchen items. However, these jars have become sought-after collectibles.

Their large size and unique designs make them charming pieces for display. Many collectors pay good prices for well-preserved examples.

If you find one in your grandma’s house, it could be worth more than you expect. Check out vintage wine storage jars to see if yours stands out.

Antique Laboratory Beakers

four laboratory beakers filled with pink, purple, blue, and yellow liquids, white tiled background, scientific setting
Image credit: Milda 444 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

You might find antique laboratory beakers tucked away in your grandma’s collection. These glass pieces were once used for science experiments but now serve as unique decorative items.

Their vintage look adds charm to any shelf or display. Keep an eye out for ones with markings or unusual shapes—they can be more valuable to collectors.

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